Junior guard/forward Ed Holland III attempts a layup against Yale on Feb. 16.
Credit: Tuna SagdanPenn men’s basketball senior forward Ed Holland, a projected starter for the Quakers, will step away from the team for the upcoming season, according to a report by The Black Cager and confirmed by The Daily Pennsylvanian.
Holland, a Philadelphia native, has played in 44 games over three years with the Red and Blue.
“While this decision was not easy,” Holland said in a statement, “I believe that this shift in focus will allow me to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead and better position myself for future success.”
“Eddie came in; he handled it the right way. He met with me, spoke about his reasons, and I have great respect for him,” coach Steve Donahue said. “This is just something he felt … I appreciate all he’s done, but I have to respect his decision to step away.”
According to the initial report, Holland’s decision was motivated by academic and career aspirations, as well as a desire to prepare himself for graduate school, when he plans to use his final year of athletic eligibility. Holland will finish his undergraduate career at Penn as a student.
Holland’s role with the Quakers has gradually increased over the course of his career. After averaging just 3.2 minutes per game as a freshman, Holland developed into a key rotational wing for Donahue’s squad, particularly on the defensive end. Last season, he started eight games for the Red and Blue, averaging 5.8 points per game and 2.9 rebounds per game.
“I will forever cherish the experiences I’ve had with the team and the support I’ve received from my teammates, coaches, and the University,” Holland said.
This is not the first time the Quakers have suffered an abrupt loss before the start of the season. In 2023, junior guard Jordan Dingle unexpectedly transferred in the spring, while senior forward Max Martz announced his medical retirement at the end of August 2023. This offseason, the Quakers brought in a surplus of new players via recruitment and the transfer portal, a decision that Donahue says was meant to insure against these sorts of situations.
“We did a lot in the offseason addressing [the roster] because of last year; just when we got hurt, getting blindsided with [Martz] and [Dingle],” Donahue said. “So I think we took a little extra in recruiting — we brought in seven new players — and that was kind of the reason.”
The Quakers will attempt to rebound after an 11-18 finish last season. They will tip off the new campaign on the road against NJIT on Nov. 4.
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